Real runners don’t care if they wear matchy-matchy outfits when they run. Real runners run in the rain. Or wind. Or heat. Or snow. They just gotta run. Real runners run in the street, despite the sidewalk on their route. Real runners run even if it means the run begins and ends in the darkness and cold of the early morning. Real runners have a love affair with their running shoe label and Continue Reading
Archives for April 2012
When I Became A Grown-Up
I became a grown-up when I was 9 years old and tried cigarettes for the first time. It was July of 1979, Southern California summertime. My sister and I were enjoying our break from private school. Apparently the babysitter was on vacation, too. In my Ditto shorts and rainbow top I watched myself in the full-length mirror glued to my bedroom door. I looked so chic as I tried to make rings of Continue Reading
I Will NEVER Drive a Mini-Van, and Other Stupid Things I Said Before I Had 3 Kids
I will never yell at my kids. I will never be one of those moms. I will never bribe my kids to invite good behavior. I will never let the TV be the babysitter. I will never drive a mini-van. (I’m too cool for that.) I will never let my kids eat at Taco Bell. I will never let my kids talk back to me. I will never have kids that jump on other people’s furniture. I will never be one of Continue Reading
Ryan’s Birth Story (Part 3)
THE NEW DIAGNOSIS 5 weeks old THE phone call Dr. Flores’ words Chris took call Results were positive Prader-Willi syndrome A lifelong disability Life-threatening illness Scoop up Ryan Hold my baby Cry many cries Chris and me Bonded so closely A new journey A new family Luke, Luke, Luke How to cope What is next? PWCF Director calls A mentor mom A support group Appointment with Continue Reading
Ryan’s Birth Story (Part 2)
THE PEDIATRIC WARD Only few days Actually few weeks Gavage tube feedings Pumping breast milk All the time OT trains me OT is angel More tests run Prader-Willi syndrome? Doctors think not First test negative Second test run Luke with Dad Luke needs Mom Lots of visitors Lots of gifts So much support Prayer, love, care Amazing kindnesses shown Ryan can’t nurse Still can’t Continue Reading
Ryan’s Birth Story (Part 1)
JUNE 27, 2003 It’s a girl No, no ,no It’s a boy Ryan Bradley Patay He doesn’t cry Boy parts wrong He doesn’t eat He can’t suck Mom, Dad happy Mom, Dad worried So many tests Don’t have diagnosis Transferred to “Peds” Mom with Ryan In walks Camille Camille the OT I break down Tears, worries, tears What is happening Why why why Something’s very wrong My baby’s broken No one Continue Reading